Question

$H_{2}S$ acts only as a reducing agent while $S{O}_2$ can act both as a reducing and oxidizing agent because

• A. S in H2S has - 2 oxidation state
• B. S in SO2has oxidation state + 4
• C. Hydrogen in H₂S more +ve than oxygen
• D. Oxygen is more - ve in SO2

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A

S in H2S has - 2 oxidation state

B

S in SO2has oxidation state + 4

In $H_{2}S$, Sulphur atom exhibits (-2) oxidation state, which is the least for the pnictogen.
As for its highest oxidation state - Sulphur exhibits (+6) in $H_{2}S{O}_4$.
In $S{O}_2$, sulphur exhibits a (+4) oxidation state, which is in between the extremes.
Hence $S{O}_2$ shows both oxidising and reducing properties.